Danielle Lamont "Bubba" Jackson, a 44-year-old male of Black ethnicity, tragically passed away on January 20, 2020, at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH. He was born on August 29, 1975, and was well-known in his community as a friendly and outgoing individual. Jackson was employed as a cook at Milano Cafe and was an avid bowler, having rolled a perfect 300 game.
The circumstances surrounding his death were grim.
Jackson was shot multiple times in the early morning hours behind Pappy's Lounge on North Street in Lima. He was found by a bar patron who called 911, and despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. Jackson managed to tell the responding officer that he had been robbed and that there were two assailants.
Following an investigation, two teenagers, Ja’naz Smith and Jordan Daniel, were identified as suspects. Both were indicted on charges of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence. Smith, who was 15 at the time of the incident, was tried as an adult and found guilty on all charges. He received a mandatory prison term of 28 years to life. Daniel, also tried as an adult, was sentenced to 20 years to life with the possibility of parole.
The case drew significant attention in the community, and the trial of Ja’naz Smith began in April 2023. Testimonies revealed that Smith and Daniel had planned to rob someone that night and chose Jackson as their victim. Smith admitted to firing the shots after Daniel suggested they rob Jackson. Despite Smith's defense claiming his confession was coerced, the jury found him guilty.
The tragic death of Danielle Jackson and the subsequent legal proceedings highlighted issues of youth crime and the justice system's handling of juvenile offenders. The community continues to mourn the loss of Jackson, who was remembered for his kind nature and contributions to his family and friends.
